New images show Gateshead flyover demolition progress

The Gateshead flyover, a staple part of the town’s road network bringing traffic into Newcastle, was closed in December 2024 due to safety concerns.

Inspections had revealed that the structure was ageing and deteriorating.

(Image: Joe Sheridan/Northern Echo Camera Club)

This led to concerns about the cost-effectiveness of maintaining it versus removing it and redesigning the surrounding roads.

The current removal of the flyover brings about a significant transformation in the way people navigate through Gateshead.

Temporary traffic arrangements and detours have been put in place for the duration of the demolition.

The dismantling process, which is expected to last until October, requires the use of special machinery, such as “munchers”.

A Gateshead Council spokesperson said: “They work by using ‘mechanical jaws’ to gradually crush through the concrete and steel structure.”

For areas where the concrete is denser, the operators resort to using a steel ram to fragment the material before returning to the mechanical jaws.

There is currently a staggered demolition process, which hopes to arrive at the Five Bridges roundabout in late June, moving to the Park Lane roundabout.

The last part to come down will be above the Tyne and Wear Metro tunnels.

In order to prevent collapse during demolition, steel props, each weighing ten tonnes, have been installed beneath the structure.